A mechanical computer keyboard including a plurality of keys and an input/output (i/o) interface for output of registration of pressing one or more of the plurality of keys. Each key includes a keycap, a key switch including a stem, a key registration unit for registering a keystroke, and a spring for forcing the keycap in a neutral release position and providing a perceptible increase in pressing force. The keyboard further includes an analog-to-digital converter and the keys include a distance sensor unit for determining a travel distance of the pushing-down of the keycap by measuring a complex electrical impedance corresponding to the travel distance of the pushing-down the keycap, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the complex electrical impedance to a digital input signal including a digitalized keystroke travel distance for outputting of the digital input signal by the i/o interface towards the computer.

Multilayer switchdome systems and methods are presented that may enable improved tactile and strength properties and enhanced action. Embodiments may utilize a first layer of spring material (1) and at least a second layer of spring material (2) to form a switchdome component (4). In certain embodiments, the spring material layers may be conjoined by utilizing a switchdome bond (3) to create an integrated bonded composite spring sheet material (7). Various forming processes (8) may be employed in performing the varying embodiments of a method of switchdome component (4) forming. The varying forming processes (8) may improve the physical properties of the tactile switchdome component (4). The varying processes, spring materials, and switchdome bond types may be optimized for a particular application.

A key structure includes a base, a movable mechanism movably positioned on the base, a sound generating member positioned on the base, and an adjusting unit movable relative to the base to be at a first position or a second position. The sound generating member has a hitting portion, which extends corresponding to an impact surface. When the adjusting unit is at the first position, and a pressing force is applied to the movable mechanism, the movable mechanism moves relative to the base and drives the sound generating member to move, so the hitting portion moves to hit the impact surface to generate a hitting sound. When the adjusting unit is at the second position, the adjusting unit restricts movement of the hitting portion, so the hitting portion cannot move to hit the impact surface.

A key structure includes a base, a movable mechanism movably positioned on the base, a sound generating member positioned on the base, and an adjusting unit movable relative to the base to be at a first position or a second position. The sound generating member has a hitting portion, which extends corresponding to an impact surface. When the adjusting unit is at the first position, and a pressing force is applied to the movable mechanism, the movable mechanism moves relative to the base and drives the sound generating member to move, so the hitting portion moves to hit the impact surface to generate a hitting sound. When the adjusting unit is at the second position, the adjusting unit restricts movement of the hitting portion, so the hitting portion cannot move to hit the impact surface.

What is presented is a key module with a cover element and a tappet having a cam nose, wherein the tappet is supported to be movable along a movement axis by the cover element, wherein the tappet has a cylindrical keycap supporting portion in a passage area in which it projects through the cover element and has at least one rib on a guiding portion adjacent to the an keycap supporting portion on an outside. Furthermore, the key module includes a contactor unit formed and arranged to be taken along by the cam nose, and a contact piece formed and arranged for establishing electric contact with the contact nose. Moreover, the key module has a housing element for accommodating the contact piece, the contactor unit and the tappet, wherein the housing element has, for accommodating the guiding portion of the tappet, at least one accommodating bowl with at least one recess for accommodating the at least one rib of the tappet.

An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

Electrical input devices can be produced using a multi-material 3D-printing process. The electrical input devices can include a non-conductive material portion and a conductive material portion. The non-conductive and conductive material portions are integrally formed during a single 3D-printing process. Deformation of the electrical input devices cause an electrical variance of the conductive material portion that is responsive to the deformation. Some electrical input devices described provide digital responses, and some electrical input devices described provide analog responses. The described techniques can be used to manufacture complex finished devices in a single 3D-print run, and, in some examples, without the need for post-processing or assembly.

Electrical input devices can be produced using a multi-material 3D-printing process. The electrical input devices can include a non-conductive material portion and a conductive material portion. The non-conductive and conductive material portions are integrally formed during a single 3D-printing process. Deformation of the electrical input devices cause an electrical variance of the conductive material portion that is responsive to the deformation. Some electrical input devices described provide digital responses, and some electrical input devices described provide analog responses. The described techniques can be used to manufacture complex finished devices in a single 3D-print run, and, in some examples, without the need for post-processing or assembly.

A control device includes a button assembly having one or more buttons and a button carrier that includes a plurality of resilient, independently deflectable spring arms. The control device may be configured as a wall-mounted keypad to control a load control device, or as a thermostat to control a temperature regulation appliance. The button carrier may be configured to prevent interference between the buttons during operation of the control device. The button assembly may be captured between a faceplate of the control device and a housing that is attached to a rear side of the faceplate. The control device may include one or more button retainers that are attached to the buttons and that are configured to align respective outer surfaces of the buttons relative to each other, and relative to the faceplate of the control device, when the buttons are in respective rest positions.